Employment Navigator – Community-Based Employment Services (WAVE Program)
Vancouver Island Vocational & Rehabilitation Services (VIVRS)
Courtenay, BC
$32.00/hour + benefits | Full-time | In-person
Make a Difference. Build Something New.
VIVRS is looking for an Employment Navigator to join our new WAVE Program in the Comox Valley.
This is an opportunity to support individuals who experience complex barriers to employment, including challenges related to mental health, substance use, trauma, housing instability, and systemic barriers.
This is not a traditional office-based employment counselling role. The Employment Navigator will provide community-based, relationship-focused support through outreach, drop-in services, individualized planning, and collaboration with community partners.
We are looking for someone who is compassionate, adaptable, creative, and comfortable building relationships in non-traditional settings.
About the Role
The Employment Navigator will provide participant-centred support including:
- Community-based outreach and engagement with individuals who may experience barriers accessing traditional employment services.
- Building trusting, supportive relationships with participants through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
- Completing individualized assessments, goal setting, action planning, and employment readiness activities.
- Supporting participants to identify strengths, interests, skills, and realistic pathways toward employment.
- Providing practical assistance with job search strategies, workplace expectations, and employment planning.
- Supporting referrals and connections to community resources, training opportunities, and other services.
- Coordinating work experience opportunities, employment placements, and follow-up supports.
- Collaborating with Peer Mentors, community partners, employers, and service providers.
- Maintaining accurate documentation, participant records, and reporting requirements.
Services may occur in community spaces, partner locations, and outreach settings. The successful candidate must be comfortable adapting approaches based on participant needs and circumstances.
This Role May Be a Good Fit If You:
- Have experience supporting individuals facing barriers such as mental health challenges, substance use, homelessness, trauma, disability, or social exclusion.
- Understand and practice trauma-informed, person-centred, and harm reduction approaches.
- Are comfortable working independently in the community while also contributing to a collaborative team.
- Can build relationships with people who may have had negative experiences with traditional systems.
- Are creative, flexible, and able to adjust plans based on changing needs.
- Understand that employment readiness is often a gradual process built through trust and stability.
- Have strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.
Qualifications & Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- 1–2 years of experience in employment services, community services, social services, outreach, vocational rehabilitation, or related fields.
- Experience supporting individuals with complex barriers to employment.
- Knowledge of local community resources and support systems.
- Experience with case management, goal planning, referrals, and documentation.
- Related education in human services, social services, employment counselling, career development, or a related field.
Additional assets include:
- Naloxone training
- First Aid certification
- Experience with outreach-based services
- Lived or professional experience working alongside diverse communities
We Value More Than Resumes
At VIVRS, we recognize that great Employment Navigators bring more than formal education and job titles.
We value:
- Community involvement and connection
- Lived experience
- Cultural knowledge
- Volunteer and grassroots experience
- Creative skills and personal passions
- Experience from any field including hospitality, trades, caregiving, retail, customer service, arts, or entrepreneurship
Tell us what you bring that may not be obvious on a resume.
Why Join VIVRS?
You will have the opportunity to:
- Help develop an innovative new employment program.
- Work alongside a supportive and collaborative team.
- Build meaningful relationships in the community.
- Make a direct impact on the lives of people working toward employment and greater independence.
Pay: From $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
